David Healy scored a superb hat-trick inside 30 minutes to leave Northern Ireland daring to dream of qualifying for a major tournament for the first time in over 20 years after a 4-1 win in Liechtenstein.
The Leeds United striker has a record any international player in the world would be proud of. After his efforts in Vaduz, he has now amassed 27 goals in 55 appearances for the province.
It is all the more remarkable given that Northern Ireland went 1298 minutes without scoring before the arrival of manager Lawrie Sanchez.
Yet they had a few scary moments before taking control of the match in the second half.
It puts them in good heart for the crucial match against Sweden on Wednesday when they could go top of Group F.
They had good backing in Vaduz with about 2,500 supporters making the trip and they got the right result.
It was far from plain sailing for Northern Ireland in the first half as Liechtenstein under new coach Hans-Peter Zaugg broke quickly.
The home side carved out a decent move in the seventh minute when Mario Frick and Franz Burgmeier linked up.
However, Burgmeier scuffed his shot into the arms of goalkeeper Maik Taylor.
Northern Ireland had a scare in the 21st minute following a mix-up between Aaron Hughes and Maik Taylor. Thomas Beck got clear but luckily for the Province his first touch let him down.
Keith Gillespie, winning his 75th cap, almost opened the scoring after being released by Healy. Gillespie delivered a delicate chip from inside the area that Peter Jehle did well to claw to safety.
Liechtenstein then launched a quick counter attack that took Northern Ireland by surprise. Raphael Rohrer delivered a shot that Stephen Craigan deflected to safety.
However, Northern Ireland were struggling to get going and Kyle Lafferty dragged a shot across the face of the goal in the 43rd minute. There was a distinct lack of confidence about the way he delivered his effort after being released by Steven Davis.
Liechtenstein hit back and Burgmeier headed over from close range on the stroke of half-time after a cross from Frick.
Frick, who plays for Italian club Siena, was causing Northern Ireland problems with his pace and movement up front. He cut inside after 49 minutes and played the ball into the area only for Jonny Evans to make the clearance.
Healy made the breakthrough in the 52nd minute. He slid the ball into the corner from the edge of the area after Jehle had cleared Lafferty's effort with his feet.
With only a one-goal advantage the Province could hardly afford to be careless going into a crucial stage of the game.
Gillespie then carved out a good opening in the 65th minute when he skipped to the byline. He tried to pick out Healy but Jehle read the situation well and made the save.
Northern Ireland defender Craigan held his ground in the 71st minute to deflect a Frick shot to safety and a minute later Martin Stocklasa thumped a shot wide of the post.
Healy, however, continued his remarkable scoring record in the 74th minute to put Northern Ireland 2-0 ahead.
He scored his second of the game and it was a cool finish as well after a delightful through ball from Gillespie.
Healy then whipped in a shot from an acute angle that Jehle parried to safety before completing his hat-trick in the 82nd minute.
He showed great composure after being released by Davis as the goalkeeper looked on helplessly.
Burgmeier pulled a goal back in stoppage time but substitute Grant McCann had the final word, heading home a cross from Gillespie.
Gillespie though will miss the Sweden match after being booked and that is a blow for Northern Ireland.
